Comments on: The Blueprinthttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/
Your Source For The Best In BasketballWed, 18 Mar 2015 16:10:01 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.3By: basketball camp shirtshttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-2129070
Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:00:11 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-2129070jordan played in a time where the nba was less athletic.

if he would have played now, he’d be just as good as kobe

]]>By: manu de mancieulleshttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1480843
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:25:18 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1480843Jordan,”air is not human”, but his feet always above the head of his defense player. when his direct oppenent came back to the ground, MJ still rising higher for posterize them all. it was told that it was so easy 4 him that it seemt to be lonely on the field.
nobody can get his level but everybody can try, it s lost time, but MJ will never be lost in our mind.
“who defenseon Mickael????”
“all the team try to do it, coach….”
Happy birthday His Airness!
]]>By: Ignarushttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1351531
Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:10:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1351531Jordan was unstoppable in his time, but I doubt he would have had the same “score at will” image if he had to contend with the expanded zone defenses that teams are allowed to use today.

Don’t get me wrong – Jordan would still be an all-time great monster in today’s league, but he’d be less efficient than he was historically because he’d have to get the ball at half court in order to keep the other team from doubling him before the catch.

And he wasn’t much of a 3pt shooter. If you want to score 50 these days, you can’t just run rampant from inside the arc. You need to light it up from deep, too.

]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1342456
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:15:00 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1342456Totally agree with Philosopher. Like the Shaq Kobe thing after the first championship. However, on the Suns, Nash is the focal point. The ONLY focal point. Book it!
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341523
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:58:34 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341523I look at a focal point of an offense strictly on a case to case basis.
I do not have a set philosophy when it comes to who is a focal point of an offense, for there can be more than one focal point.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341355
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:44:29 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341355@Philosopher…I question whether you comprehend anything I’m saying
@KB8…I think it’s different with the Suns. I know that when the break starts, the ball gets into Magic’s hands, they run and he decides who’s most open to get the ball to. But the Lakers didn’t just run and gun the whole time either. In the half court set, they were looking to get the ball to Kareem. And with what is probably still the most unstoppable weapon in history, who can blame them? Like Jukai said, it’s a matter of philosophy I guess. The way you guys are coming across, every point guard is the focal point of an offense simply because he sometimes decides who gets the ball. If you want to get technical, the coach is the focal point cuz he’s calling the plays from the sideline. lol I see it as who does the offense go to the most in order for the best scoring opportunity? You have to remember that everyone touches the ball on offense (at least, that’s how a good offense runs). The point guard starts it. The triangle offense is an offense where everybody touches the ball but it always somehow makes it’s way into Jordan’s, Pippen’s, or Kobe’s hands. Is Fisher the focal point or is Kobe?
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341249
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:51:57 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341249@Justin…..you in favour of KB?
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341242
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:48:24 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341242@Jukai…..will do. Wilt’s career and life is just so interesting on and off the court. Its like a movie flick which never ends…..@Justin….Tell me, is Nash or Amare the focal point of the Suns offense? Now after thinking about that, tell me if Magic or Kareem was the focal point of the Lakeshow’s offense.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341236
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:42:11 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341236I question whether you comprehend the political process..
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341150
Mon, 18 Oct 2010 01:03:30 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341150Philosopher…Hell no I don’t have disdain for Magic. I love the guy, loved watching him play. You must have selective reading though because you keep coming back with the same “they were politicians, they were businessmen so they can’t publicly say who’s better”. I’m going to try it slowly and in caps so maybe it gets through. Magic…and Isiah..WERE…NOT…BUSINESSMEN…WHEN…THEY…WERE…STILL…PLAYING. MAGIC…DID…ADMIT…IN PUBLIC…MICHAEL JORDAN…WAS BETTER…THAN HE WAS…IT’S IN…HIS…BOOK…WHICH…HE…WROTE. SAYING IT…IN A BOOK…IS AS CLOSE…TO SAYING…IT PUBLICLY…AS YOU CAN GET…WITHOUT…HOLDING…A NEWSCONFERENCE

@Jukai…endless debates are what makes these fun aren’t they? This debate will go on every time the subbject is broached. Same with the Kobe vs. Lebron debate (which, don’t even get me started on that because it’s not even close right now)

]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341093
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:40:40 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341093As for the focal point argument, you guys are debating semantics. Phillo thinks that ‘focal point’ means who controls the offense, while Justin believes it’s who finishes the offense. Good lord, you people will be debating this forever.
]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1341087
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:34:03 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1341087KB8toSG8:
A View form the Bench.
Great book. If you love Chamberlain, please read it. It’s a bit more realistic than Chamberlain’s own hyperbolic view of his own career. It’s written by Red Holzman. He still has his mouth grafted to Chamberlain’s ass while he’s writing it, but he’s not writing things like “CHAMBERLAIN AVERAGED 20 BLOCKS A GAME!!!!”
He’s being a bit more honest.
One of my favorite parts of that book, which I use everyday, is this one:
“Yes, Wilt hit on those jumpers…Wilt did come into the league with a good touch from the outside, which made his early scoring that much more significant. He wasn’t just dunking the ball then.”
God, if only everyone realized this. Wilt wasn’t just a stronger Artis Gilmore, for chrissakes.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1340659
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:18:50 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1340659John Stockton is the focal point of the Utah offense.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1340658
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:17:19 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1340658Another thing, Brother Justin:
How can a player who missed averaging a triple double by mere fractions not be the focal point of an offense?
With all due respect, (not trying to flame) I think you have a little disdain towards Earvin. He must have beaten your team a couple of times, no?
And, again, Earvin is a politician. As well as Isiah. You cannot say you are better than Michael, for it is bad for business, and you will lose votes.
Politics, Brother Justin.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1340654
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:16:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1340654Yes, Magic put on an epic performance, one of the best in history. But that team still revolved around Cap. It’s not a very good argument to say that people would flourish only because Magic got them the ball. That’s like saying Jordan could only flourish because Pippen got him the ball in the right spots. If you take out Magic and put any ball handler in the game, he can also dribble the ball up the court and pass the ball down low to Kareem. It was easier for Magic to do because he was 6’9″, but any point guard worth their salt can do that. He’s not the only person that touched the ball throughout the offensive sets you know.
How come you don’t answer when I asked who was the focal point of the Utah offense, Stockton or Malone? Same thing is it not?
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1340649
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:11:36 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1340649Justin:
I like your style.
Now, how can Earvin be the focal point 9 years later? He won the championship as a rookie Finals MVP in The Greatest Performance The League has ever seen.
He has definitively been the focal point since that night.
Magic got there in 1979. Alcindor was in his 10th year. Showtime, right? It was a fast breaking offense that would have three guys running with Magic while Kareem was too slow to keep up.
Magic was the orchestrator of the “Showtime” offense. He also ran the half court set, where Lew would flourish, but ONLY when Earvin got him the ball.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1340554
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:21:21 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1340554@Kb8…Read Magic’s autobiography. As I’ve said earlier, Magic admitted he was not better than Michael. What he said was that he always thought in his mind that he could hang with Michael. Until one practice, when his team was beating up on Michael’s and he started talking trash about it to him. He said what happened next was a basketball display like none he had ever seen with drives to the hoop, acrobatic layups and shots. What they decided on was that Michael was the best, just not every night. The two best players (3 if you count Isiah as he eventually went on to proclaim Michael the best as well) say Michael was the best. Good enough for me
OK fine, Magic was the focal point 9 YEARS LATER, after Kareem retired. Better?
]]>By: The 10-man rotation, starring Carlos Boozer’s still-broken hand | tpsnation.comhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1340501
Sun, 17 Oct 2010 11:56:28 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1340501[...] Los Angeles Lakers.7th. Order of the Court. Ben Steele on a moody Indiana dweller. Rick Mount.8th. SLAM. Russ Bengston on the greatest of all time. This is a good day for reading, people.9th. Hardwood [...]
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1338346
Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:48:31 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1338346You don’t need stats to show who is the focal point. Fact is Magic controlled and decided when to attack, with whom to attack and how to attack. Not Kareem. Not Worthy. Hell, would you call Nash the focal point of Suns’ offense or Amare???@Justin: “Give it up. You got no chance on this one. Larry, you don’t have the speed to stay with me. Magic, I can guard you, you can’t guard me. Neither of you guys can play defense like me and you can’t score like me.” What would you say about that? Would you believe what MJ said? That he could straight up defend Magic?Finally, Bird decided to step in to stop the escalation. “Magic, stop! We had our moment. There was a time when nobody was better than you and me. But not anymore. Michael is the best now. Let’s just pass the torch and be on our way.” Nowhere did Magic/Bird say MJ was the best ever. And regarding the 100pts MJ ish, lets take it to that thread.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337875
Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:47 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337875The year Magic averaged 24ppg, Worthy paced at 19 and some change, so, he WAS NOT the eventual scoring leader.
24ppg. (23.9)
12.2apg.
Sounds like the focal point to me.
Scoring AND assist leader but wasn’t the focal point of the offense?
How much more do…
YOU need?
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337849
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:41:51 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337849No it isn’t. You can take over a game in a number of ways, not just scoring. The focal point of any offense is who’s doing the majority of the scoring. The offense didn’t go through Magic, it started with him. Yes, Magic decided who received the ball and when. Again…HE’S THE POINT GUARD!!! On Utah, would you say John Stockton was the focal point or was it Karl Malone? Because Magic started scoring more did not mean he became the focal point of the offense. He still wasn’t the main scorer. Eventually, Worthy was.
I guess if you took a poll of all NBA players past and present, any fan who has watched basketball in the past 30 years to see which is the greatest, Magic would get that one vote. Yours. Even Magic would vote the other way but not you. Hahaha.
Magic didn’t proclaim his superiority because HE KNEW OTHERWISE and admitted it! How much more do you need?
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337534
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:01:33 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337534Now, I have to ask you this one;
If Magic proclaims his superiority in public like that, do you think that would help him?
You do not hear Jordan saying he’s better than the next guy. That would not help him, either.
And, yes, I am Magic Johnson’s #1 fan.
Only because he is The Greatest Of All Times.
Better than Michael.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337525
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:57:01 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337525Magic was the focal point of the offense.
It is borderline idiocy to ponder otherwise. How can he not be the focal point of the offense when everything went through him? Earvin decided whom recieved the ball AND when.
“Magic started scoring more as Kareem aged”… you said.
So, was he the focal point at one time or another, or not??
For your information, Michael taking over a game whenever he felt the urge is a form of controlling tempo…
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337506
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:48:15 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337506I just don’t see why you can’t let it go to be honest. Magic admitted it, in ’92 at the Olympics in a room with him, Larry Bird, and Ahmad Rashad. For the love of God, PLEASE don’t say anything about hurting his businesses that he DID NOT HAVE at that time. You would think if a player can freely admit that someone is better, the fairweather fan would think “OK, fair enough. That’s good enough for me”. You just insist on being stubborn. Now, here’s another question for you. In what way was Shaq more dominating than Wilt?
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337490
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:41:08 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337490Sure, I’ll give you rebounder. Passer is debatable. You’re giving Earvin better handle because you’re a fan. Magic was not the focal point of the offense, especially during Showtime. He had the ball in his hands a lot but was not the focal point. He was probably the third option outside of Kareem and then Worthy. Magic only started scoring more as Kareem reached the end of his career and with Worthy slowing down.
Sure he can control tempo. HE’S THE POINT GUARD. But Michael didn’t need to control it. Instead he would just take it over whenever he decided to. I’d like to control a game that way.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337433
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:09:53 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337433I’ve already debated that.
The conclusion ended up being that Shaq is the most dominant center of All Time…
And, Magic is a better rebounder.
A better passer.
A better leader. (Michael has even said so)
Better handle is arguable, though I’ll give that to Earvin, too.
Also, Magic WAS the focal point of the offense (SHOWTIME) for a while.
A long while.
Not including the year he averaged 24ppg. Things did not flow the same when Earvin did not have the ball.
No one in NBA History can completely control the tempo and pace of a game better than Magic Johnson. This is fact.
Better control of a game than Jordan, too.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337415
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:59:17 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337415It doesn’t matter who we’re discussing, whether it’s between pros or rec league players. We’re talking about one player being bigger than the other. I suppose you’d say that Magic was a better post player than Michael too. What could Magic do better than Michael? Better handle? No. Better shot? No. Better on defense? No. Better passer…this is the only one that might have some merit, but when you get drafted onto a team that’s got a Hall of Fame center and then throughout his career has great finishers, and you are not the focal point of the offense, then yes you will get more assists.

And as stated earlier, the one on one comparison is so stupid. Wilt was a giant compared to Magic and Michael. It’s just so dumb. Could Wilt handle Michael on the perimiter? No he couldn’t. So, what he sucks back in? Michael shoots the shot. I mean, how ridiculous a conversation. A better one would be how would Wilt handle Shaq in his prime. Debate that instead.

]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337337
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:46:15 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337337And, to answer your question about the 6’6″ player as opposed to the 6’9″ player…
We are discussing Michael and Magic.
Not two local rec league players.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337327
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:38:51 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337327Justin:
I will ask you this;
We recently engaged in a friendly debate about Wilt and Earvin.
My question is, whom do you think would fair better against Wilt in the post? Magic or Michael?
And, I never said that Michael was a bad defender. Quite the contrary.
What I’m saying is (I do not mind repeating myself) Michael cannot guard Earvin in the paint. Magic is a better player than Michael Jordan when regarding all around abilities.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337325
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:38:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337325And btw, the Jordan/Magic to Pippen/Magic switch didn’t change the series nearly as much as 3 other factors. Changing the double team to come from the baseline confused Vlade (yeah, I know not that difficult), Byron Scott and James Worthy going down to injury, and John Paxson stepping up and hitting every shot he took
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337277
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:11:48 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337277@Philosopher…Yes, it’s a much greater exaggeration than Kobe being a superior defender. I still don’t get how a 6’6″ player not being able to hold down a 6’9″ player on the blocks takes away Jordan being the best ever. Does that mean that because Stockton couldn’t hold Jordan on the blocks that he wasn’t a good defensive player? Dumb. How can one argue that his “Bulls won’t 3Peat” comment affected his brand? Did sales go down? Didn’t he get started with movie theaters in less than desirable neighbourhoods? Did people stop going to those theaters after making those comments? Please support with facts and stats. Also, he stopped making those comments because he turned out to be WRONG. Plain and simple

@KB8…What Magic said was they all agreed that Michael was the best, just not every night. And I think one can defend that statement about him getting 100 in today’s game with one simple stat. Kobe scored 81. You don’t think Michael could get 19 more, being the better scorer of the two? Look back at game 1 of the ’92 Finals. He scored 35 in the first half after sitting out the first 6 1/2 minutes of the second quarter, and played maybe 5 or 6 minutes of the third quarter, maybe only taking 3 shots. You don’t think he goes off in a monster way if they keep him in the game the whole time? He also scored 37 ppg in a time when handchecking was allowed. I believe that scoring the way he did was MUCH more impressive than the way Wilt did it. He’s a guard, where Wilt was a center, never further than 5 or 6 feet from the hoop. And what does JoeMaMa’s post mean about anything? I’ll take replays over anyone’s comment anytime

]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337246
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:55:14 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337246@Saviour…….You are the perfect example of a guy who has bought into the media hoopla surrounding MJ having no solid argument that totally blows all other competitors out of the waters. So…..care to explain in detail?
]]>By: Saviourhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337215
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:28:52 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337215GOAT. No question, no ifs, buts or arguements.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1337175
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:49:04 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1337175LOL….now I’m really finding MJ’s statements totally funny. He thinks he could get 100 points if he played his usual game in this era. Come on up MJ defenders, start defending “His Airness”
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336892
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:14:51 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336892@nbk…………that doesn’t clarify anything except the fact that Kobe is strong as a bull, MJ was a freakish athlete and guys continue to gush over MJ. Come on! 50 pts? He is MJ……but he ain’t no Wilt. The same could be said about Wilt. Hell, make Wilt man up any guy in the post and boom boom boom. Foul calls. I’d bet that only a few could stay in the game until half-time if Wilt was posting them up. Also, Jordan would’ve gotten ALL the calls. ALL OF THEM. NOT EVEN CLOSE to being fair.@Jukai….during the 50pts,25 rebs thing, a LOT of them believed that he got atleast 20 blocks a night…..including his teammates as he acknowledged in his autobiography. Maybe not 20 but atleast 10-15 min.
]]>By: nbkhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336548
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:12:07 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336548On who would win one on one:
Trainer Tim Grover (ATTACK Athletics in Chicago), who has trained Bryant, James and Michael Jordan: Hard to say. Kobe could back LeBron down, too. He’s that strong. Don’t put me in this spot. I’m not picking.How about Jordan versus either man?Grover: Oh, Michael. No question. From a physical and mental standpoint, he’s the best I’ve ever seen. If he were playing now, with the way the refs call everything, and with all the padding these guys wear, he’d average 40 or 50 a night if he wanted.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336203
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:19:38 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336203Greatest
Of
All
Times
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336192
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:15:26 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336192G.O.A.T
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336156
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:57:55 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336156what is a GOAT
]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336091
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:20:27 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336091It’s possible Wilt would have gotten a triple double with blocks one or two years… but saying he’d average 20 blocks a game is entirely fabricated. From what I read, it was closer to 8-10. Remember, the game was a lot more jumpshot oriented.
]]>By: A l a nhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336068
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:10:30 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336068OK, thanks!!
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336064
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:07:34 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336064Alan:
“On the blocks” means in the “paint” area, or in the “post”.
]]>By: A l a nhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1336055
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:01:28 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1336055@The Philosopher: I think I don’t understand you, because Magic averaged 0.4 blocks per (Total of 374) and MJ averaged 0.8 (Total of 893)
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335993
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:26:14 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335993@Justin:
My line was the “biggest exaggeration” in SLAM History?
Bigger than Kobe being superior defender over Jordan??? I wholly beg to differ…
Anyways, during Michael’s 1st 3peat, Earvin was on TV saying how he does not think the Bulls can 3 peat, and so on. One can argue that those comments affected his brand, for never again after that would Earvin make such comments regarding Michael Jordan.
KB8toSG8 is on the money. He clarified it for me.
Phil does not make that move, Magic is unanimously The G.O.A.T.
Again, Michael cannot deal with Earvin on the blocks. Jordan is not… The G.O.A.T.
]]>By: A l a nhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335970
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:08:53 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335970@KB8toSG8: not sure if Wilt would have made a triple-double with blocks. But I believe Russell surely would have been very close. Closer than Wilt, in this case. But who knows… a pity that back then blocks were not counted. Although Boston journalist used to count Russell’s blocks. BTW Jordan is the best ever IMO because he didn’t have to be that tall to dominate the League (as opposed to Wilt, Kareem, Shaq,…)
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335900
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:18:17 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335900@Philosopher…..Magic wouldn’t get points on Wilt. If you disagree, fine. Let’s just agree to disagree . @PapaATL….I don’t think being at the right place at the right time and being hyped into a basketball God during the 90s just so as to expand the interest and brand value of the NBA coupled with great BBall skills automatically makes you the Greatest……
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335892
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:14:48 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335892@smooth….I could say the same about MJ. Just remove Pippen and he wouldn’t have even come close to winning in 91 against Lakeshow. Remove Rodman and they wouldn’t win vs Utah. See??? And MJ-less bulls were one bad call away from the Finals.@Justin….what I think Philosopher meant was if Phil didn’t make that move, the Bulls would’ve lost the finals and Magic would always have one up on Jordan. That’s pretty much correct. Also….correct me if I’m wrong but Magic/Bird said that he was the best player as of that moment and never really admitted that MJ was better than Magic/Bird in their prime. I’m 90% sure of that.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335886
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:09:33 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335886@smooth…..I’m not even bother with your comment. Look back on the thread. JoeMaMa posted the height of the players he played against. Seems like you conveniently forgot about Russell. @Justin…..he DIDNOT use the finger roll against puny players. Why can’t you guys see JoeMaMa’s post? Its clearly there written in stone! Wilt also proved that he could put up big numbers even AFTER he was waay past his prime ( see vs Kareem) @ Alan……if blocks were counted in Wilt’s era, he would have about 20 blocks per game. That’s amazing proving that Big O wasn’t the only one who could put up triple doubles (though it was amazing to see HIM do so….)
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335882
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:01:56 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335882true russell is a bad ass
]]>By: Alanhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335867
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:46:42 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335867OK, OK
So it’s all about the numbers, right? Then 11 makes Russell the best ever, as it it about winning. But then, 50 PPG and 25 RPG in a single season, are those better numbers? Then Wilt is the GOAT. But if it’s about number then a triple-double each game would make it, so The Big O is the best ever. Or it may be by number of MVP’s? Then Kareem is at the top. But if you only care about who wins, then Final’s MVP? So it must be MJ. But then, where’s Mikan, Bird, Magic, Isiah, Hakeem, Shaq…?
It’s impossible to pick just one… LOL
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335770
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:26:31 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335770and kobe and lbj is not better than mj so for all yall people who keep coparing them to the great mj quit it, its geting old. mabey in the future but not now because i see no comparison
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335767
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:23:54 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335767and mj is realy really good but he didnt do it by himself like some people think but he was some what a really good team player that played on a team that had good players like sp and big d that new there role, “give it to mj”, if the bulls didnt have mj and had the other allstars they would probly make a deep playoff run but never to championship not without mj
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335762
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:17:07 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335762@ kb8sg8 how tall was wilt like 7 foot Right well look way back then when he was such a “super star” and tell me who was close to his hieght and micheal jordan didnt change the game by himself there was other players in the league that did so too.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335716
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:37:38 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335716Philosopher, you’ve brought up that whole “Do you think he would ever say that publicly” thing before and it doesn’t hold water. That autobiography A) Came out a little while after the Olympics and was being written before during and after and B) Don’t you think saying it in a book about yourself is saying it publicly? What’s he going to do? Hold a press conference? His businesses were not thriving as wildly as they are back then either. And yes, his businesses are successful and got off the ground on the basis of is name but not because people thought he was the greatest basketball player ever.
You also need to clarify how switching Pippen to guard Magic somehow saved Jordan’s legacy. Jordan having trouble with a bigger, taller, top 5 guard that ever lived is hardly a knock on Jordan the defender. Is his legacy tarnished because he had trouble guarding Iverson too? Nobody looks back and says “Well, Michael had trouble with certain players so maybe he wasn’t as good as everyone says”. Hell, Magic had trouble with EVERYONE he guarded. His legacy is pretty safe I think.
You do get props for biggest exaggeration line in SLAM history with “most important coaching move in history”.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335674
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:44:57 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335674One more thing.
Do you think Earvin Johnson Jr. would be the billionaire he is now if he ever said publically that he is better than Jordan?
In basketball, you cannot say anything that may be construed as “anti Jordan.”
You just can’t.
No one takes shots at Jordan in basketball.
Except Isiah…
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335673
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:40:48 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335673Justin:
I do not want to make it sound like Magic can guard Wilt, because of course he cannot.
I’m glad you brought it back to my original point about Michael not being the Greatest Of All Times.
And, I’ve watched the 91′ Finals…
You are right. It was smart to put Scottie on Earvin.
It saved Michael’s Legacy. It turned out to be the most important coaching move in NBA History, arguably. It was the most important move in Jordan’s career.
]]>By: Justinhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335663
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:08:45 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335663The one on one comparisons are done. Of course Wilt couldn’t guard Magic on the perimiter, any more than he could guard MJ either. But nobody could guard Wilt because he’s bigger and stronger, and someone else also said it before me. Comparing what would happen one on one in a team sport is just ridiculous. @KB8…Yes, I said simpleton finger roll. When you’re over 7′ tall, can stand under the hoops, and have a better than average vertical leap for a big man, it becomes very easy. Put yourself on a 9′ hoop with much smaller guys and see if you can’t do the same.
@ Philosopher…Scottie saved MJ’s legacy? Really? Hahahahaha! Magic is 3″ taller than Michael, so naturally it’s a tough check and putting a taller, longer Pippen on Magic was very smart. You should read Magic’s autobiography, if you haven’t already. You might find it interesting when he states himself that Michael Jordan is a better basketball player than himself and is the G.O.A.T. Magic believed he could hang with Jordan until the ’92 Olympics but it was in practice where his mind was changed. You’d be interested to know also, that in their ’91 Finals Michael was actually out-assisting Magic up until the final game. You might want to take into consideration what the actual players say, instead of opinions of fans. I’d say they know best wouldn’t you?
]]>By: truthtellerhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335518
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:38:32 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335518The only reason why Kobe is hated so much is that he is the closest thing to MJ! And in some many people’s eyes, MJ can do no wrong! he was perfect and made no mistake!
]]>By: ryanhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335433
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:27:08 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335433F MJ,the Chicago Bulls and Slam for publishing this crap.
]]>By: ryanhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335429
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:25:56 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335429Conversely respect due to Wilt Chamberlain, Isiah Thomas, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, Mitch Richmond, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Oscar Robertson (the greatest guard ever) people need to learn their history before writing ignorant ass articles (and magazines about this clown Jordan).
]]>By: Stephonhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1335304
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:58:54 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1335304Nice article. Much respect to the Greatest Basketball Player of ALL Time.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334825
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:21:45 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334825And, again, Earvin is not going to light up Wilt.
He’ll get double digits, though.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334817
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:14:28 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334817Jukai:
I read that story.
And, you’re right.
I do need to work on that.
It’s just that I do not lie up here when referencing something that I heard, or about anything up here.
My credibility is important to me.
My opinions may not be correct, but I do not mean any harm.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334814
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:10:47 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334814@KB8toSG8:
All I’m saying is that Wilt would have to guard Earvin on the perimeter. He can’t just leave Magic. Wilt cannot guard Earvin off the dribble, and in the post, Magic has moves. That junior sky hook was an underrated part of his offense. He has won Championships(1) with that shot.
He can get it off on Wilt. His passing would be his bread and butter though, like it is, anyway.
And, even before the rebound comes off of the rim, Magic is already surveying the floor, so…
Wilt, being a center, is not used to having to sprint up court every time his man (a center) gets a rebound, and we all know that Earvin likes to push. By the time Wilt gets to half court, Magic has either scored, assisted, or set up an assist for another teammate.
As far as the other guards I mentioned, it was about who would have a good game against Michael, hence having a good game against Kobe.
Everything of course, is arguable.
]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334813
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:10:20 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334813The Philosopher:
Very famous story. I think you should read it. Here it is:
—————
Of all his memories of Wilt Chamberlain, the one that stood out for Larry Brown happened long after Chamberlain’s professional career was over.
On a summer day in the early 1980s at the Men’s Gym on the UCLA campus, Chamberlain showed up to take part in one of the high-octane pickup games that the arena constantly attracted. Brown was the coach of the Bruins back then, and Chamberlain often drove to UCLA from his home in Bel Air, Calif.
“Magic Johnson used to run the games,” Brown recalled Tuesday after hearing that Chamberlain, his friend, had died at the age of 63, “and he called a couple of chintzy fouls and a goaltending on Wilt.
“So Wilt said: ‘There will be no more layups in this gym,’ and he blocked every shot after that. That’s the truth, I saw it. He didn’t let one (of Johnson’s) shots get to the rim.”
Chamberlain would have been in his mid-40s at the time, a decade removed from one of the greatest careers any basketball player ever produced. But the advancing years meant little to Chamberlain in terms of physical conditioning.
—————
Took that straight from ESPN. I’ll cite it for you if you want (hint hint something you should work on hint hint).
I don’t think Magic Johnson could make much headway against Wilt. Sorry.
]]>By: PapaBearATLhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334720
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:13:54 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334720MJ made basketball better, bigger and inspired a world, not just a region or nation. I think that is what makes him the GOAT.
]]>By: Alihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334719
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:12:36 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334719G.O.A.T Jordan, hands down! In my eyes the criteria for G.O.A.T is the path taken to the O’ Brien trophy. Bird, MJ, Russell, Kobe, Magic, My TOP 5 Dead or Alive! Question is can Kobe last another 2,3,4 years, and can he lead the Lakers to a few more titles before his exit? What will everyone say when/if the Lakers beat the Heat giving kobe #6 #7? Just trying to get some shi* started up in here, Hahahah!
]]>By: Yaboy20http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334634
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:15:12 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334634@ kb8tosg8 The pace of the game was so much faster that’s a huge advantage for wilt if both teams are gettin more then 100 possessions a game of course his stats would be thru the roof just cuz of the pace of play. His stats were inflated man I think kobes 81 was better then wilts 100 jus for the fact that game is so much slower and there aren’t as many possessions and he mostly shot jumpers that whole game. Wilt was a great player but he benefited heavily from the way his era played. If they played the way the NBA is played now there is no way he puts up a 50 25 jus cuz there aren’t as many opportunities to get those points and boards
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334625
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:11:19 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334625Just forget about my Ritchmond comment…. He could definitely slash and shoot. Dribble and penetrate. I’m not so sure. PS. Is there anyway I can combine all my posts into one? I always have like 3-4 posts in a row and would like to know how to do that.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334620
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:07:25 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334620@smooth…..Wilt demolished every record on the court with his unbelievable play and continues to hold them even after 50 freaking years. I would bet my entire life that his records will NEVER be broken. Never. Magic and Bird saved the NBA when it was spiraling downwards. Jordan expanded the brand value of the NBA and took it to new heights. You decide what you find more important in determining the GOAT.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334614
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:00:27 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334614Also, Wilt would also have Magic in foul trouble just as easily if he backs Magic into the post. And dare I say, Magic would be the one out of the game more quicker since Magic ain’t such a great defender. Hell, is it difficult for a guy to kill another player who is roughly the same height as the old previous centers and had avg/above average defense??? Come on, we’re talking about a guy who scored 50pts for the ENTIRE season over guys the height of Magic. And you’re telling me Wilt would be in foul trouble?!? And Wilt has more stamina than Magic as well.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334602
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:56:09 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334602@The Philosopher

Really? Ritchmond? As much as I used to love him….he’s as complete as Arenas? Smith? Clyde…you got a point there. Reggie? He’s a great 3pt shooter or should I say a great pure shooter. He doesn’t have the quickness or the handles Arenas has. No offence to him though. Magic might score only a few points. Definitely not more than 15. I’d bet anything over that. Wilt would get into foul trouble CHASING him? I think people really underestimate Wilt’s athleticism. I think a video was posted here about Wilt’s speed. He can easily hang on with Magic. Foul trouble, I’m not quite sure. Magic wasn’t the best perimeter shooter out there and with Wilt’s height, it’d be tough for Magic. Also, with Wilt guarding him, he wouldn’t have anything from the paint. Nothing. Magic wouldn’t get many rebounds at all. Hell, I’d be surprised if he could get atleast 5 with Wilt over there. His assist numbers would continue to remain same. It’d depend on Wilt’s teammates to defend the others. If 5-on-5, I’d first definitely want to see Wilt’s teammates before I talk about the effect Magic would have on the game provided he plays Center. And let’s not forget, Wilt proved that he too could pass the rock effectively. I repeat, if 1-on-1, Magic would have ZERO chance. Zero. If 5-on-5, it’d depend on the teammates.

]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334450
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:24:08 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334450magic is the greatest
]]>By: smoothhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334449
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:23:25 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334449ok micheal jordan is the best ive heard that since i was born every basketball magazine ive read it had “micheal jordan is the best” every where. micheal is the greatest but not the best and i get of whos better mj or kb24 or lbj first of all both of them doesnt know how to win a championship by themselfs. So quit talking about micheal jordan all the time every body knows hes the greatest but not the best
]]>By: Alekhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334424
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:09:22 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334424great article, totally agree!
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334313
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:48:05 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334313@KB8toSG8:
Joe Dumars.
Clyde Drexler.
Reggie Miller.
Mitch Richmond.
Steve Smith.
And, Magic’s passing out of the blocks would neutralize many things.
Not all, but many.
Magic can score on Wilt.
He will not give him 35, but he would get double digits. He would have Wilt in foul trouble chasing him everywhere.
He’s 85% for his career at the line.
]]>By: Doyouwantmorehttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334210
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:21:30 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334210I was one of those kids that were disillusioned when I grew up and realized that the guy from ‘Pro Stars’ was actually a regular dude with regular problems. (And mo’ money!) But he’s still the best for sure. He’s the best because a man’s greatness is ultimately a collaboration between himself and his Creator. Jordan performed at a peak level in moments and contexts that ring with story and authorship.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334153
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:52:17 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334153@yaboy…..you think LeBron and Howard would do the same in Wilt’s era? I have a few quotes from both of them when they were played very physically. Trust me, they WHINED to no end. Complaining, whining…repeat that 2-3 times. Wilt’s era was VERY physical. Hell, they could just hit him on the head while shooting continuously on every attempt (which would get Wilt free-throws). Infact, what makes Wilt’s stats so amazing is that he did it all while missing the most no.of free throws in LEAGUE history. Think how dominant he would’ve been if he had….say 70% free throw shooting avg.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334148
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:47:25 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334148Thrust into the villain role by virtue of his size and the results of his frequent clashes with the smaller, more team-oriented Bill Russell, Chamberlain frequently was judged more on what he didn’t accomplish than on the many things he did. “They see me score 75 points in a game and instead of saying, ‘Great game,’ they wonder why I don’t get 75 every night,” he once grumbled. His one NBA championship with Philadelphia in 1966-67 — at 68-13, another one of the all-time great teams — seemed to count less somehow than West’s or Baylor’s none. Chamberlain’s size, strength and personality always just demanded more. This is the true reason why Wilt was never given his due. He spoilt the fans so much that they always expected him to get 70 points, 40 rebs, 20 blks, 10 assists and all that ish. Kinda like why these days Kobe’s consistently awesome shots don’t garner the praise from the commentators or analysts because he did that almost every game, unlike LeBron, Melo and a few other all-stars over whom commentators and analysts go ga-ga after a brilliant move. (Note: By no means is Kobe on the same level as Wilt before everyone starts breathing down my back. )
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334147
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:43:31 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334147@Philosopher……Wilt would demolish Magic one on one. No offence, but Magic was an average defender and an awesome playmaker. In order for Magic to play to his full potential, he needs to have team-mates unlike Wilt who could defend, had great lateral quickness, has the height advantage and a ridiculous scoring ability from the post. One on one, Wilt could shut down Magic. 5 on 5, Wilt would have a hard time stopping Magic passing. It was amazing that Magic could take over like that in his rookie season. But Wilt’s records simply are unmatched.
]]>By: KB8toSG8http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334144
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:39:54 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334144@Blackphantom……in no way did I mean that KB was a better defender than MJ. I was just saying that you can’t negate Wilt’s stats just because his era was (according to many) a weak one compared to the 80s and 90s (BS) Maybe my example was a bit misleading. @Philosopher….Arenas back in 06, before his injuries took over, was killing almost everyone!!! Sure, he’s no HOF, but he ain’t Pooh Richardson. He was an offensive nightmare. And many would testify to that. Tell me how many guys in the 90s that MJ defended had such scoring prowess that Arenas had. He has a great jumpshot, is great at catch and pop, is devilishly quick, has great handles and can drive relentlessly.@yaboy……Really? All I care about is stats? Tell me what you exactly want Wilt to do to be called the Greatest ever?? You want him to score 100 every game?!!?! Regarding those quotes, Wilt and Russell were great friends and even greater rivals. Hence, I took both the stats AND Russell’s quotes to back my argument. Not just stats. Russell was a great defender. Arguably the best post presence on the defensive end. Don’t you think that without him, Wilt could just always go and score? Height and physical presence cannot be taught to a player. Its pretty obivous that Wilt worked harder to get his points while playing against Russell. If you look closely enough, you’d realize that I continuously praised Russell’s defense in my other posts. I’m just saying that even with Russell guarding him, Wilt got high scoring and high rebounding games. WITH RUSSELL. Wilt + 4 other players could defeat 4 HOFs + any other center other than Russell. That just shows you how dominant he was.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1334045
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:04:07 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1334045Jordan can’t handle Earvin on the blocks.
It has been proven.
Earvin exposed Michael in The 91′ Finals as not being The Greatest Of All Times. Scottie saved Michael’s ENTIRE Legacy in that Finals showdown.
Earvin Johnson was masterfully guiding that team by his lonesome against Michael and Scottie, and while doing so, cementing his position as… The G.O.A.T.
And, we’ve still to this day have never witnessed the kind of performance in a Finals clinching game that Earvin put on that night in Philadelphia.
The greatest performance in NBA History. A rookie 6’9″ point guard manning all 5 positions at a Hall Of Fame level for the Ring.
Never again.
]]>By: Bryanhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333975
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 01:23:39 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333975Well if even I , a die hard Knick fan, can accept this dude as the GOAT then anyone can.
]]>By: Teddy-the-Bearhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333889
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:51:46 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333889Joe, thanks for the list!
And you didn’t even have to mention some of the undersized center greats like Wes Unseld, or the great power-forwards like Elvin Hayes who were insane at rebounding too.
]]>By: yaboy20http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333778
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:26:24 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333778My grandad was a coach and has all of the old games on film even some of wilts sixers days do you understand me when i say there was no goaltending from wat i saw half of his points were redirecting shots into the basket and there were SO MANY more possessions they had about 140 per game compared to about 95 now so his stats were inflated with the pace of the game…. Ok dwight was an awful example i will admit that but shaq in his prime would use that era as a toothpick
]]>By: nbkhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333723
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:38:31 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333723LIBRARY IT!! lol that’s the best isht i’ve ever read
]]>By: Tarzan Cooperhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333705
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 21:31:11 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333705Great stuff in here, esp on wilt…………. … .. Its pretty clear tyreke evans will be the best player ever. Its not even up for debate. If you dont think so, you hate the special olympics, sunshine, rainbows, cute babies, beyonce, kim kardashianaina, beer, pizza, and yo momma. Tyreke will be the best player ever, LIBRARY IT!!!!
]]>By: nbkhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333678
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:58:26 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333678that’s like comparing tyronn lue and allen iverson because they looked similar. (ok its not that abstract but its crazy – wilt is considered by many to be the best basketball player ever – top 5 all time at worst)
]]>By: nbkhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333674
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:55:20 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333674Wilt Chamberlain was an olympic high jumper. He played a season where he averaged 48.6MPG. He led the league in assists because people said he couldn’t pass. Dwight can’t score more then 20PPG on a consistent basis. That comparison is totally bogus.
]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333526
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:35:53 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333526So…
Chamberlain is STRONGER than Howard (Chamberlain dislocated a disk in Gus Johnson’s back by blocking Gus straight on… and Gus Johnson was a brickhouse of a man)
Chamberlain is FASTER than Howard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paex9-VxPbA&feature=related)
He had more RANGE than Howard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d7jRhaSgBA)
Chamberlain was taller (7’1-7’2 compared to 6’10)
Hell, it’s entire possible Chamberlain JUMPED HIGHER than Howard (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=849_WdqJ8o8 …. look at some of the pauses in the middle… he’s blocking shots that go up towards the top of the square… and that is when he was in his 30s! Good christ!)
But Howard could average 50-25 back in the day?
Good Christ… Howard can’t even pass out of a double team today. What is he going to do when he’s dealing with triple teams?
]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333507
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:18:24 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333507Also, I get the Dwight Howard thing, Howard would have been pretty dominant… but Wilt was faster, stronger, taller, and had more range…. sooooo?
The only thing Dwight Howard has is mobility (not faster in a sprint but probably faster with the ball) and MAYBE leaping… but even the leaping thing is in doubt.
And it’s not like Howard has any post moves.
So why would Howard do the same thing as Chamberlain if he’s pretty much worse in every way?
]]>By: Jukaihttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333493
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:09:49 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333493Interesting.
In a pure BEST PLAYER EVER argument, you could argue that Wilt is up there or maybe even better than Jordan
But greatest player ever?
A few kinks:
-Two championships compared to six. Yeah, circumstantial, but that’s a big factor
-Jordan cared about getting stats over winning for about three or four years. Chamberlain did it throughout his entire career. When Chamberlain sacrificed his stats, they breezed through the playoffs. But when Chamberlain needed to lead the league in assists, they lost. Not saying Chamberlain could have beat the powerhouse celtics everytime, but 3-4 championships from Wilt certainly is feasible if he put his mind into winning everytime (and not to say he didn’t try to win in the playoffs, but I think his stat hunt hurt the jelling he had with his teammates and come playoff time, all those five point game seven loses may have come from that)
-For about half of Wilt’s career, he was Karl Malone-ish in the clutch. He was Elvin Haye-ish in the clutch. He was downright Kevin Garnett-ish in the clutch!!!! He was afraid of being fouled and would take more turnaround jumpers than dunks. That changed as his mindset went from stats to winning, but that was a pretty big stain in his legacy.
When I talk about centers, I always say Wilt was the BEST CENTER EVER because of his ludicrous skillset… but Kareem was the GREATEST because of his championships (more about luck) and his mindset, where he gave everything to the team.
Plus, lord, I know 50-25 is f’ing insane, but Kareem’s 28-17-5-2-4.1 in a league with goaltending and three second rules… is RIDICULOUS!!!
]]>By: Blackphantomhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333478
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:57:55 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333478What idiot actually said Kobe was a better defender than Michael? Kobe’s great, but come on, sometimes my fellow Kobe fanatics go too far i admit
]]>By: VisionofGreatnesshttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333390
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:44:29 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333390None of us truly know who the greatest was. All anyone has is their opinion. Some say Mike, some say Oscar, some say Bill Russell, some say Kareem, some say Wilt. There’s no definite answer. The greatest, most common held opinion is that Mike was the greatest. Poll past and present players and the most common answer we hear is MJ. That’s perhaps the most important opinion.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333344
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:07:47 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333344And, I never said that Kobe cannot have a bad night.
You said that Kobe would be hard for Michael to score on.
I beg to differ…
Michael has never let a non Hall Of Famer light him up for 60 points.
Ever.
Never, ever.
]]>By: The Philosopherhttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333341
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:04:47 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333341So, that is one big man per team, right?
Maybe two?
Most were stiffs…
The only thing Kobe has on Michael is the range on his shot.
In Michael’s day, they moved the three point line in a little closer so Michael could continue his dominance.
Again, that is the ONLY thing Kobe has on Michael. More range.
But, that FURTHER illustrates how much better Michael is than Kobe.
Kobe has never even been the Defensive Player of The Year.
How can he be better than Michael on defense?
And, once more, many of those big guys are stiffs.
No offense, brethren.
]]>By: yaboy20http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333325
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:39:53 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333325My only other reason is the eras the game was different there were a ton more possessions and alot more shots so it was easier to do what he did just like Oscars triple double. If u put Lebron or Dwight Howard in this era u cannot tell me that they dont do the same thing. Wilt was great in his era i am not disputing that but if he played now he would only get like 14 and 10 maybe pick up the bill simmons book and you just might change your mind on wilt. But thats why i think Kobe and Jordan are the greatest cuz their games translate to any era
]]>By: yaboy20http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333316
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:30:26 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333316“We were forced to play against the Celtics 11 to 13 times during the regular season. And if you think that wasn’t enough, then we had another seven games against them in the playoffs, if it went seven games. So I had a chance to see William Felton Russell much more than I wanted to.” Wilt Chamberlain

“If we played Boston four on four, without Russell, we probably would have won every series. The guy killed us. He’s the one who prevented us from acheiving true greatness.” Wilt
Duh Russ spoke nice things about him they were good friends but he never sounded scared or like he couldnt beat him like Wilt did. Being a great leader/teammate goes into the GOAT status just as much as the stats do for me and thats one of the only reasons i cant put wilt in the discussion

]]>By: yaboy20http://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333312
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:26:13 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333312@kb8 So i guess according to you greatness is defined by stats in numbers so i guess to you yea Wilt is the greatest so i guess when Lebron retires he will be the greatest cuz his numbers will be off the charts. To someone who knows basketball theres more to the game in stats and wins define greatness its a team game and how well you lead that team to win why do you think wilt only beat russell once and dont give me that russells supporting cast was better cop out wilt played with Nate Thurmond, Paul Arizin, Billy Cunningham, Tom Gola, Hal Greer, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, who are all in the Hall of Fame, not to mention Chet Walker and Guy Rodgers, who could be for their battles and still couldnt win Russell was a great leader thats why his team always won unlike wilt he was a horrible teammate. You talk about the games he supposedly abused russell those games were blowouts so those were garbage buckets
]]>By: Dacrehttp://www.slamonline.com/the-magazine/features/the-blueprint/#comment-1333299
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:15:20 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/online/?p=93571#comment-1333299This is why i like it when the NBA season (or atleast the SLAMONLINE season) gets going again…. RUSS IN THE HOUSE>
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